Rachel Callaghan Landscape Architect, NZ: QUEEN ELIZABETH PARK ISLAND

Background

Masterton is lucky enough to boast a superb public park, with many century old exotic trees, as well as a great children's playground, skate park, beautiful cricket oval, historic cemetery, plus a large lake and island that features a miniature train ride throughout the year. Families just adore it. I used to ride on the train as a child growing up in Masterton....

The Island seen from the mainland - once the major vegetation had been
removed to open up views

The arched bridge is the only access to the island from the mainland

BEFORE!! A solid mass of willow suckers and pampas grass
made it impossible to see onto the island.

I was bought on board in 2015 to design an 'Exploration and Discovery Trail' for that island. The island had been neglected for many years, and was virtually a no go zone beyond the railway station. By the time I came along, plans had been put in place to clear much of the weedy tree vegetation from the island, and a passionate group of locals had a strong design brief for me, that included words like biodiversity, exploration, adventure, nature, interaction and discovery.

Here is the result of working with this great group of volunteers, with background support from Masterton District Council. A work in progress, with really only the paths and planting being completed at this time (September 2017). So many birdhouses, park furniture, sculptures, boardwalks and murals etc yet to be installed. Good things take time, and this is now 100% voluntary.....

Preliminary Concept Plan - detail

The Tactile Garden

Designed with meandering paths, twisting between strong structural planting, with some fun 'off-track' paths made from railway sleepers, and log rings. Bird houses, weta motels etc will be installed soon.

The Planting Plan for Tactile Garden - working drawing,
showing my rough notes! But shows the twisty path.

First day of planting around the Tactile Garden - 2016

Freshly planted. Log rings and railway sleeper paths for 'off-road' adventures!

The Tactile Garden - February 2017

Verbena bonariense to attract the bees and butterflies, and feed the birds over winter

Muehlenbeckia and Acaena

Cabbage trees starting to gain height

The garden is designed for touching and experiencing foliage,
and uses strong plant form and textural contrast to create drama.

The train in action, coming out of the freshly painted tunnel

Aerial photo taken in 2017, shows new lime path,
and the newly planted tactile garden to the top centre.

2017 Planting

Brand new gardens and sleeper paths on the other side of the island

New planting around the wetland

Planted last weekend - Massed Renga Renga Lilies under enormous old trees

New path and boulders to define garden edges

THINKING MAN / HAKA MAN SCULPTURE

Nothing is simple getting oversized items onto the island!
This was the prep for bringing the 2+ tonne sculpture over.

Almost there

Planting taking place as backdrop to our new (but old) Hinuera Stone sculpture.
He was very generously donated by a local family, and is perfect for
our interactive, discovery island.